NEW South Wales State Emergency Services north-western zone commander, superintendent Paul Perusic, was in Moree on Monday to officially launch the SES storm season campaign, and to urge members of the public to consider joining the local unit.
During the past two weeks, New South Wales has been battered by windy conditions, with 1200 volunteers responding to more than 3000 incidents.
As the clean-up continues, the SES encourages residents to prepare for an increased risk of storms as the 2024-25 season officially begins.
Mr Perusic was at the Moree unit headquarters with sage advice about storm season, which traditionally occurs from September to April when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases.
“There has already been a lot of winds and gusts across the State, especially down south, with winds up to 200kph – that’s on the cusp of cyclonic weather,” Mr Perusic said.
“This region, Moree in particular, is known for stereotypical summer thunderstorms. There will be a scorching hot day, then the perfect conditions cause an afternoon storm. This might not last very long, but can cause a lot of damage in a short time,” he said.
“We’ve already had a fairly wet winter, so even though storm precipitation might not be much, it could lead to flash flooding because the ground is already wet.”
Mr Perusic said the push was on to draw more volunteers to the Moree SES unit.
“The SES is made up of volunteers, and here in Moree we are looking for new members all the time, especially heading into storm season,” he said.
“We are currently doing a call-out for Moree, in particular. The Moree numbers are down at the moment, and that’s why we’re on the look-out for more – we can never have too many.
“There are a few options. People can call direct on 132 500 and express their interest or go to the SES website and fill out the required form,” he said.
“Alternatively, people can come to the Moree unit (on Maude Street), which does training every Thursday night from 6pm. People are quite welcome to call in unannounced and express their interest.”
SES superintendent Paul Perusic and local volunteer Kam Wheeler at the Moree SES Maude Street headquarters on Monday.
Mr Perusic said there were basic measures available to ensure minimal damage to homes and property during storm season.
“People should try and fix any existing damage to roofs like broken tiles or loose sheets of tin, that sort of thing. Try and get any leaks repaired, and clean gutters and downpipes because they can become clogged during winter, especially with leaves from deciduous trees,” Mr Perusic said.
“Low-lying tree, or dead or dying trees, need to be trimmed or removed. A good, strong wind will knock them over.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said preparedness and planning is crucial for managing the risks as we head into the warmer months.
“As we enter storm season, I urge all communities to be aware of their risks and plan early,” Mr Dib said.
“We have seen this week the effects of strong winds which brought down trees, damaged powerlines, lifted the roofs of buildings and fanned fires across the state.
“It is incredibly important to have your plan in place, get your home ready and be prepared for what you will do if impacted by storms.
“I would also like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers who have been out in force in recent weeks. We know we can count on them to support communities across NSW over the course of this storm season,” he said.
SES tips to help people prepare for storms:
Prepare for storms by securing loose items outside, trimming trees and branches away from properties, cleaning your gutters and moving your cars from underneath trees;
If you are caught out in a storm, seek shelter indoors. Do not shelter under trees and stay away from powerlines;
Prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods;
Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones; and
If you need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s an emergency, call Triple Zero.
Thinking about joining the Moree SES unit?
Find out more at www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
